Postdoctoral Research Assistance in Supernova Cosmology (2 posts)
Overview
The Department of Physics at the University of Oxford invites applications for two postdoctoral positions in supernova cosmology and time-domain astrophysics, working with the Rubin, 4MOST, ATLAS and Euclid facilities. The posts are full time and fixed term until 30 June 2028, based on site in Oxford, with extension possible depending on funding applications.
Projects may cover a broad range of topics, including improving supernova modelling and standardisation, developing and applying new data analysis and statistical methods for Type Ia supernova cosmology, and contributing to data acquisition and spectroscopic follow-up of large upcoming transient surveys such as Rubin and ATLAS using 4MOST and other spectroscopic facilities. Appointees join Oxford's astrophysics community, which includes the Hintze Centre for Astrophysical Surveys and the Beecroft Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, and can help supervise graduate students and take part in outreach.
Requirements
Successful candidates should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in a relevant area of astrophysics or physics, with experience in Type Ia supernova cosmology, including supernova modelling, simulations, data analysis and statistical methods, or in transient data acquisition. Excellent communication skills are required, along with evidence of working independently and having enough specialist knowledge and technical skills to work within established research programmes. There may be opportunities for tutorial-based teaching and a college association.
What you get
The salary is 39,474 to 47,779 GBP per year at Grade 7.
How to apply
Applicants upload a CV of at most three pages, including a publication list or a NASA ADS link, and a two-page supporting statement of research interests and experience explaining how they meet each selection criterion. Two referees must send references before the closing date.
Key dates
Only applications received before midday on Friday 20 November 2026 will be considered.
About University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, England. Teaching there is documented from the late eleventh century, which makes it one of the oldest universities in the world, although its exact founding date is unknown. It has no single central campus, and its buildings are spread throughout the city. Every student belongs to a college, and the colleges operate alongside the university's academic departments, which are grouped into divisions.
Source: Wikipedia